The Ceremony

Of the
ROSE CROIX OF HEREDOM
The 18º of the Ancient and Accepted Rite
with the
ENTHRONEMENT
of the
SOVEREIGN
 DIRECTION AND PLANS
for the
CEREMONIES
of the
ROSE CEOIX OF HEREDOM
 GENERAL NOTES AND INFORMATION

GENERAL

Knocks are only given where specified in the rubric

Any reports should be referred by the Captain of the Guard direct to the Most Wise Sovereign who
replies without knocking.

All swords are cross hilted and unsheathed. Scabbards are not worn.

Lights on the Altar need not be wax candles or have naked flame. Electric lights are preferred for
safety reason.

Biblical quotations are from the Authorised (King James) Version. References for the quotations, as
given at the foot of the relevant page, are for information only and are not to be recited.

Where space permits, the Sovereign usually takes the Throne from the North and leaves from the
South.

Before a Perfection, the Director of Ceremonies should ensure the Herald is familiar with the
Candidates full name and their pronunciation.

DELIGATION OF WORK

It is the Most Wise Sovereign’s privilege to occupy the Chair for the complete ceremony (except for
the administration of the accolade if a member of the Supreme Council is present) but he may
delegate
OPENING

The Sovereign knocks once. This is repeated by the First and Second Generals.
Sov: Brethren, assist me to open … Chapter of Princes Rose Croix of Heredom.
All rise
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Marshal, see that the castle gates are duly guarded.
Marshal acknowledges with bow. C of G opens door. Marshal satisfies himself that
the Outer Guard is in his place. C of G closes door. Marshal returns to his place.
Mar, no sign: Most Wise Sovereign, all is secure without.
Sov: To order Brethren as Princes Rose Croix.
All stand to order with the 3rd sign, prior to which no signs are given.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect First General, what is the hour?
1st G: The ninth hour of the day.
Sov: Then it is the hour when the veil of the Temple was rent in twain and darkness
overspread the earth, when the true Light departed from us, the altar was thrown
down, the Blazing Star was eclipsed, the Cubic Stone poured forth blood and
water, the Word was lost, and despair and tribulation sat heavily upon us.
A solemn pause.
Since masonry has experienced such dire calamities it is our duty, Princes, to
endeavour by renewed labours to retrieve our loss. May the benign influence of
Faith, Hope and Charity prosper our endeavours to recover the lost Word, for
which purpose I declare this ... Chapter of Princes Rose Croix of Heredom duly
open all drop sign in the name of the great Emmanuel.
Sov knocks ****** *
1st G knocks ****** *
2nd G knocks ****** *
C of G knocks ****** *
O G knocks ****** *
Prelate opens New Testament at St John I.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prelate, the Chapter being open, what remains to be
done?
Prel, gives 3rd sign: To respect the decrees of providence, to render worship to
God alone, and with all humility and patience to endeavour to recover the
Word. Drops sign.
Sov: Yes, Princes, that shall be our aim. Do you, Excellent and Perfect Prelate,
invoke a blessing on our labours.
All place right hand on left breast.
Prel: Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of Faith, Hope and
Charity; and, that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love
that which Thou dost command, through Jesus Christ, our great Emmanuel.
All: Amen. All drop sign.
Sov, gives first part of 2nd sign: Save, we beseech Thee, O God in Heaven, Creator
and Sovereign of all things, us Thine unworthy children. Drops sign. Be seated,
Princes.
The Recorder confirms that the candidate’s details are as shown on the agenda
and that he has completed the combined application form, petition and obligation.
Sov: Princes, the candidate for Perfection, Brother … having stated that he
professes the Trinitarian Christian faith and that he is willing to take an obligation
in the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, we will proceed to the ballot.
The ballot is taken
Sov: The ballot proves favourable to the candidate. We will now proceed to confer
the Intermediate Degrees

THE INTERMEDIATE DEGREES

No accolade is given when the Intermediate Degrees are conferred

During the ceremony the Sovereign stands; other Brethren may be seated (if
accommodation permits) except where indicated.

The Lodge of Perfection

The candidate, who wears no masonic clothing or regalia, is admitted by the

Marshal and placed before the Sovereign.
Sov: By virtue of the power vested in me by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-
third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its
Districts and Chapters Overseas, I declare this Lodge of Perfection open. Knocks *
* * * * * * * *.
Marshal opens the Bible at II Chron. 6.
Sov: Brother ..., the position of a Prince Rose Croix and promotion to the
Eighteenth Degree to which you aspire requires that you have already had
conferred upon you the first seventeen degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite of
Freemasonry. The three degrees of Craft masonry, which you have already
received, are accepted as equivalents of the first three degrees of this Rite. As it
could otherwise take many months, or even years, for candidates to acquire the
whole, it has pleased the Supreme Council to direct that the intervening fourteen
degrees shall be conferred by name. Are you willing to pledge yourself to preserve
the secrets and mysteries of these degrees?
Candidate: I am.
Sov: Then you will kneel on both knees, place your right hand upon the Holy Bible
and with your left hand hold this sword upright by the blade with the cross-bar
level with your eyes.
Sovereign hands sword to candidate.
Director of Ceremonies: To order, Brethren.
All rise, with right hand on left breast.
Sov: State your names at length and repeat after me:
I, ..., in the presence of God, Creator of the universe, and calling upon these my
brethren as witnesses, do upon this sacred book, most solemnly and sincerely
promise that I will never illegally reveal any or either of the secrets or mysteries of
or belonging to the several degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite from the first
to the seventeenth both inclusive, which heretofore have been known by me, shall
now, or may at any future time be communicated to me.
You will seal this once on the Holy Bible All drop sign. You will now rise.
Sovereign, Marshal and candidate remain standing, of her brethren resume their
seats.
I now confer upon you the following degrees by name:
Fourth: Secret Master;
Fifth: Perfect Master;
Sixth: Intimate Secretary;
Seventh: Provost and Judge;
Eight: Intendant of the Buildings;
Ninth: Elect of Nine;
Tenth: Elect of Fifteen;
Eleventh: Sublime Elect;
Twelfth: Grand Master Architect;
Thirteenth: Royal Arch of Enoch;
Fourteenth: Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Master;
In the first nine of these degrees, from the fourth to the twelfth, the legend of
Hiram Abiff is continued in a series of allegories. Collectively they portray the
confusion caused by the death of Hiram and the steps taken by King Solomon to
complete the building of the Temple.
The thirteenth and fourteenth degrees refer to the legend of the secret vault and its
contents.
The whole group is known as that of the 'Ineffable Degrees'.
I declare this Lodge of Perfection closed. Knocks * * * * * * * * *.

The Council of Princes of Jerusalem

Sov: By virtue of the power vested in me by the Supreme Council I declare this
Council of Princes of Jerusalem open. Knocks * **.
I confer upon you: the fifteenth degree, Knight of the Sword, or of the East, and the
sixteenth degree, Prince of Jerusalem.
These two degrees are known as the ‘Historical Degrees’ or ‘Orders of Chivalry’.
They give an account of the assistance received from Cyrus and Darius in the task
of rebuilding the Temple after the Babylonian captivity. I declare this Council of
Princes of Jerusalem closed. Knocks * **.

The Lodge of Knights of the East and the West

Sov: By virtue of the power vested in me by the Supreme Council I declare this
Lodge of Knights of the East and West open. Knocks ** ** ** *.
I confer upon you the seventeenth degree, Knight of the East and West.
The signs, tokens and words are exchanged thus: Sovereign moves to the front of
the table and faces north. Marshal turns the candidate to face the Sovereign. Place
your left hand, with the fingers straight, palm downwards, on my right hand. I
cover it with my left hand, and you look over your right shoulder and say
Abaddon, which refers to the Evil One.
I reply by touching your left shoulder with my left hand, while you touch my right
shoulder with your right hand, thus forming a St Andrew’s cross.
Then I look over my left shoulder and answer Jabulon, which means 'The Lord is
our help’.
Sovereign returns to his place behind the table. Marshal turns candidate to face
the Sovereign.
This degree is the first of the ‘Philosophical Degrees’ and forms a fitting preface to
the principles of Christianity represented in the eighteenth degree. Studied as
allegories, these Intermediate Degrees continue the teachings of Symbolic
Masonry.
I close this Lodge of Knights of the East and West with the knocks ** ** ** *.
Marshal closes the Bible, conducts the candidate to the anteroom and reverses his
collar.
All others pass to the Black Room, 18 collars being reversed

THE FIRST POINT

No sign is given in this Point except right hand on left breast.

The Outer Guard extinguishes all general lighting in the approaches to the Black
Room, and between the Black Room, the Chamber of Darkness and the Red Room
These lights must not be restored until the candidate has entered the Red Room.
Every precaution should be taken to prevent any extraneous lighting disturbing the
candidate’s Journey through darkness (from his arrival at the door of the Black
Room) to Perfection (when he enters the Red Room).
Prelate opens the New Testament at St John I. The curtains are drawn to veil the
table.
Marshal conducts the candidate to lie door of the Black Room.
Mar knocks ** ** ** *.
2nd G: Most Wise Sovereign, an alarm
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Second General, see who disturbs this Chapter.
The Second General opens the door.
2nd G: Wherefore this alarm?
Mar: This worthy Knight of the East and West, having presented a petition to the
Most Wise Sovereign, now begs to be admitted to receive an answer.
2nd G: Wait while I report to the Most Wise Sovereign.
The Second General closes the door.
2nd G: Most Wise Sovereign, a worthy Knight of the East and West, having
presented a petition to you, now requests to be admitted to receive your answer.
Sov: Summon our Excellent and Perfect Marshal to conduct him hither.
The Second General admits them. The Marshal conducts the candidate to the
curtains and stands with him, facing them.
Mar: Most Wise Sovereign, I present to you Brother….
Sov: Who and what are you?
Mar: Nobly born and of the tribe of Judah.
Sov: What is your rank?
Mar: Knight of the East and West.
Sov: Give me the word
Mar: Abaddon.
Sov: Jabulon.
Sov: What is your age?
Mar: Thirty-three.
Sov: Your petition has been favourably received by this Chapter but, whilst we
admire your zeal and courage and your conduct inspires us with confidence and
esteem, alas, you have come among us at the ninth hour of the day, when we are
overwhelmed with grief and the deepest sorrow, and consternation spreads horror
over our brows.
The earth quakes, the rocks are rent, the veil of the Temple is rent in twain,
darkness overspreads the earth, and the true Light has departed from us. Our altars
are thrown down, the Cubic Stone pours forth blood and water, the Blazing Star is
eclipsed, our Shepherd is smitten, the Word is lost, and despair and tribulation sit
heavily upon us.
A pause.
Nevertheless, it is well that you have arrived at this hour of peril, since, as a
courageous and valiant knight, we trust that you will assist us in our endeavours to
retrieve our loss and recover the Word, in which case only shall we be able to
confer upon you that distinction you so earnestly desire
Mar: We promise faithfully to aid you in your labours and to obey whatever
commands you may be pleased to impose upon us.
Sov: Then, worthy knights, I direct you to travel thirty-three days eleven to the
pillar of Wisdom in the north; eleven to the pillar of Beauty in the south, and
eleven to the pillar of Strength in the west, returning to me in the east with
whatever information you may obtain during your travels. I particularly commend
to your meditation the beauties of the New and Better Covenant; and, that you may
the more completely appreciate its excellence, let us invoke guidance and direction
from above.
All rise and stand with right hand on left breast.
Prel: Almighty and Sovereign Architect of the Universe, who dost penetrate into
the secret recesses of the hearts of men, purify ours with the sacred fire of Thy
divine love. Banish from this holy sanctuary the impious and profane; and grant
that we, aided by the power of Thy Spirit, may be enabled to distinguish the
precious metal from the dross, and may not be deceived in the choice of him we
are about to perfect. May our Order ever be adorned by service, goodwill and
peace. Now to the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be the
Kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
All drop sign and resume their seats
Sov: Depart in peace.
Marshal, followed by the candidate, passes seven times round the Chapter, within
the three pillars. He should time the seven circuits to agree with the seven sections
of Scripture, noting that transgressions occurs in the third and fifth and that the
seventh ends with transgressors. During the third circuit, Marshal shows and gives
the Candidate the letter F from the Pillar of Wisdom in the north, during the fifth
the letter H from the Pillar of Beauty in the south, during the seventh the letter C
from the Pillar of Strength in the west.
Prelate (seated) reads Isaiah 53 during the travel. He should make a slight but
distinct pause after each section. During the reading solemn music may be played
quietly.
Prel: Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry
ground; he hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him, there is no
beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him
not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem
him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the
chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All
we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and
the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, he is brought
as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he
openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment and who
shall declare his generation?
For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people
was he stricken; and he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his
death, because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth Yet it
pleased the Lord to bruise him, He hath put him to grief.
When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall
prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand, he shall
see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied, by his knowledge shall my
righteous servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great. and he shall divide the spoil
with the strong, because he hath poured out his soul unto death, and he was
numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors.
Marshal and candidate complete the seventh circuit by returning to the curtains.
Mar: Most Wise Sovereign, I present to you this Knight of the East and West. We
have completed the thirty-three days’ travel imposed on us.
Sov: What have you obtained during your travels?
Mar: We have searched in and about the Pillars in the north, south and west for the
lost Word, but have only succeeded in finding the letters F, H and C, which we beg
to present.
Marshal takes the letters from the candidate and, without revealing the table etc.
hands them through the folds of the curtains to the DC and returns to stand beside
the candidate. DC hands the letters to the Sovereign and returns to his place. The
Sovereign places them on the north side of the table.
Sov: I congratulate you on the success which has already rewarded your exertions.
These letters are the initials of those virtues, Faith, Hope and Charity, by whose
assistance you may be led to the discovery of the lost Word.
The curtains are slowly drawn apart
Before I can explain further, I must call upon you to take a solemn obligation to
keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of our Order Are you ready to take it?
Candidate: I am.
Sov: Then you will advance and kneel before the Holy Cross
Candidate kneels on both knees
Sov: Place your right hand upon the New Testament whilst across your hand will
be laid a sword and compass. Prelate places the sword and compass so that the hilt
is to the south and the open compass thereon with points towards the candidate.
All rise with right hand on left breast.
Sov: State your names at length and repeat after me I, …, in the name of the Holy
and Undivided Trinity, before the Holy Cross, and in the presence of this Perfect
Chapter, do hereby and hereon promise that I will never reveal the secrets or
mysteries of this Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom to anyone in the world not
lawfully entitled thereto, or whom I may believe not to have been duly qualified in
a true arid regularly constituted Chapter. I furthermore pledge my sacred word of
honour that I will, at all times, pay due allegiance to this Chapter and to the
Supreme Council under whose authority it is held. All this I solemnly pledge
myself to observe, so help me God and keep me steadfast in this my obligation
Prelate removes compass and sword.
You will seal your obligation seven times on the New Testament. Candidate does
so. Rise, newly obligated Brother
All drop sign and resume seats.
Marshal conducts the candidate via the south to the west of the footcloth, where
they face east
Sov: I now inform you that the seven circles round which you have traveled
represent the six periods of the world’s existence, which will close with the Second
Advent of our great Emmanuel, when time shall be swallowed up in eternity, of
which the seventh circle is an emblem.
I have already congratulated you on having found the three fundamental principles
of our Order: Faith, Hope and Charity. Assisted by these virtues, we have no doubt
that you will ultimately succeed in attaining the end and object of all our
researches, that Word on which our eternal salvation must depend.
Prel: For Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen. Hope maketh not ashamed. Charity suffereth long and is kind; Charity
envieth not, Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself
unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth
not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things. endureth all things. Charity never faileth; but whether there be
prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether
there be knowledge, it shall vanish away; for we know in part, and we prophesy in
part; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be
done away.
Sov: Let us pray.
All rise with right hand on left breast.
Prel: Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of Faith, Hope and
Charity; and, that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love
that which Thou dost command. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
Sov: Having found the three fundamental principles of our Order let us go forth in
search of the lost Word.
Under the silent direction of the Director of Ceremonies, all, except C of G, who
remains at his post, pass the east in the following order, the Sovereign, Prelate;
Members of the Supreme Council, other 33 , 32 , 31 ; 30 ; 18 ; Marshal,
followed by candidate. All pass to the East, halt, face the altar, bow, but give no
sign, and then pass on. Marshal and candidate bow separately.
After passing the east once, the Sovereign, Prelate, the Supreme Council, other
members of the 33 silently pass into the Red Room and resume their seats.
After passing the east twice, the members of the 32 , 31 and 30 similarly retire.
After passing the east thrice, the members of the 18 , with the exception of
Marshal and C of G, similarly retire, reverse their collars and resume their seats.
After passing the east for the fourth time. Marshal leads the candidate to C of G,
who challenges him at the door through which the other brethren have passed.
C of G: You cannot enter here unless you give me the Word.
Mar: He cannot. He is traveling in search thereof, hoping to obtain it by the
practice of Faith, Hope and Charity, and the help of the New and Better Covenant.
C of G: This attire is not compatible with that humility necessary for those who
wish to recover the lost Word. Clothe yourself in the garment of humility, and I
will summon Raphael to your assistance.
C of G places the black veil on the candidate’s head so that it covers his face.
Marshal leads candidate into the Chamber of Darkness and, placing him to face
the emblems of mortality, explains that he will now be left for a while to meditate
upon them.
Marshal retires from the Chamber of Darkness by the way he entered, closing the
Bible in the Black Room and leaving the candidate alone in the Chamber of
Darkness to meditate on the emblems of mortality.
Marshal and C of G pass into the Red Room, reverse their collars as appropriate
and resume their seats.
After a pause, Raphael, with sword at the carry, enters the Chamber of Darkness
from the Red Room, admitting as little light as possible.
Raphael: I come to conduct you from the depths of darkness and the Valley of the
Shadow of Death to the Mansions of Light. You have undergone dangers,
difficulties and afflictions, yet be of good cheer Armed with the virtues you have
already obtained, Faith will support you when tempted to despair, Hope will cheer
you on your road, and Charity will sustain you in every trial, until, having traveled
through the abyss of darkness, you finally arrive at the Mansions of Light, whither
our Heavenly Sovereign has gone before. Approach and come with me.

THE SECOND POINT

Raphael, with sword at the carry and the candidate on his left, opens the door to
the brilliantly illuminated Red Room and escorts the candidate to the foot of the
ladder.
If music has been played, it should gradually swell to a triumphant strain as the
candidate enters and cease when he reaches the foot of the ladder.
Marshal, with sword at the carry, moves to the foot of the ladder, stands at the
candidate’s left and, when the candidate ascends the ladder, stays in line with him
and Raphael.
Raphael: Most Wise Sovereign, I bring with me this worthy knight who has
traveled through dangers and difficulties in search of the lost Word, and now
supplicates to be rewarded for his labours.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Raphael, we doubt not that this worthy knight, assisted
by your powerful aid, is deserving of every distinction, and I now call upon him to
ascend the ladder which leads from darkness to glory and Perfection. But first, how
came he hither?
Raphael: Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Sov: What supported him?
Raphael: Faith, Hope and Charity.
Sov: What does he seek to obtain?
Raphael: The lost Word.
Sov: Then, as he appears to have proceeded thus far -aright and to be well prepared
to ascend the mysterious ladder, he may advance, pausing at each step and replying
to my questions with your assistance.
What is that virtue which leads from earth to Heaven?
Raphael instructs candidate to put his left foot on the first rung of the ladder and to
the left of the rose, then pushes the rose backwards with the point of his sword; he
then prompts the candidate to stoop and pick up the uncovered letter, then to place
his right foot on the first rung, and, standing with both feet on the first rung, to
reply: Faith.
The above procedure is followed for the subsequent steps.
Sov, before the second step: What virtue supports you when oppressed by shame
and sorrow?
Cand: Hope.
Sov, before the third step: What is the perfection of every Christian virtue?
Cand: Charity.
Marshal takes the first three letters from the candidate and holds them in his left
hand.
Sov, before the fourth step: Whence come you?
Cand: From Judaea.
Prelate, standing: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of
Herod the King, behold there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying:
Where us He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East
and are come to worship him.
Sov, before the fifth step: By what village did you pass?
Cand: Nazareth.
Prel: Philip findeth Nathaniel and saith unto him. We have found Him of whom
Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
And Nathaniel said unto him Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?
Philip saith unto him: Come and see.
Sov, before the sixth step: Who conducted you?
Cand: Raphael
Prel: He found Raphael that was an angel, and he said unto him: Canst thou go
with me? To whom the angel said I will go with thee, and I know the way well.
Sov, before the seventh step: Whither go you?
Cand: To Jerusalem.
Prel: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be betrayed unto
the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and
shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him, and
the third day He shall rise again. Prel Sits.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Marshal, bring me the letters from the first three steps.
Marshal does so and returns to the candidate’s left
Sovereign turns block on his pedestal so that the letters F, H and C are visible to
the candidate.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Marshal, bring me the letters from the last four steps.
Marshal obtains these from the candidate, hands them to the Sovereign and returns
as before.
Sov: Worthy knight, by the aid of Faith, Hope and Charity you have indeed
succeeded in finding the lost Word.
Raphael removes the veil, hands it to Marshal and instructs the candidate to step
of the ladder.
Marshal returns to his seat.
Sov: By Faith you have found the Rose of Sharon, and you have been able to
apprehend Him who will neither leave you nor forsake you. By Hope you have
obtained a Heaven-born blessing, which will console you under all difficulties and
distresses and teach you under the afflictions of your earthly pilgrimage to look for
a better and more enduring inheritance. In Charity you behold the perfection of
every Christian virtue.
Taking the initials of the last four steps of your journey and putting them together
you have found the name of Him who is the Word.
Sovereign turns the block on his pedestal so that the letters I N R I are visible to
the candidate
For St John says: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the
Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Now, worthy
knight, having found the Word of the New Law, I request our Excellent and
Perfect Prelate to affix it in its proper place.
All rise.
The Prelate goes to the Sovereign to receive the Word and places it on the cubic
stone.
All, except Raphael and the candidate, kneel on the right knee and point towards
the Word with the right index finger. All rise, facing the altar and in time with the
Sovereign, all give the first sign, saying the word H... .a seven times, to the rhythm
of the knocks of the degree.
Sovereign then stands in front of the altar, facing west.
Sov: Let the candidate approach.
Raphael escorts the candidate to the kneeling-stool.
Worthy knight, I rejoice to confer upon you the reward you have so well earned
and I trust that, by the practice of those virtues - Faith, Hope and Charity - that
have this day been commended to your notice, you will indeed be led to Him who
is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Kneel therefore and receive the honours to
which you are now entitled.
Candidate kneels on both knees
Raphael presents his sword, holding it by the blade, vertical, point uppermost, to
the Sovereign.
By virtue of the power and authority in me vested by the Supreme Council of the
Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and
its Districts and Chapters Overseas, I hereby make sword on right shoulder,
create sword on left shoulder and constitute sword on head you, now and for ever,
a Knight of the Pelican and Eagle.
Sovereign transfers sword to left hand and, holding it by the blade, vertical, point
uppermost, returns it to Raphael.
Sovereign then takes the seal from the altar and holds it to the candidate’s
forehead.
I seal you a Prince of the Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom with the seal of
Perfection.
The seal is returned to the altar
Sovereign takes the candidate by both hands and raises him, saying: Rise,
Excellent and Perfect Prince Rose Croix and receive the emblems of our Order.
Princes, be seated.
Director of the Ceremonies removes the stool, presents the collar and jewel to the
Sovereign and resumes his seat.
Sovereign, holding the collar and jewel and displaying them to the candidate,
continues: The jewel worn in this degree is a pair of compasses with a rose on
either side and surmounted by a celestial crown. The points of the compasses are
extended on the segment of a circle with a cross between them Beneath the cross is
the heraldic emblem known as a ‘pelican in its piety’; and on the reverse a white
eagle with its wings extended as if rising in the air.
The Pelican is a symbol of Christ our Redeemer; for, as it was reputed to feed its
young with its own blood to save them from death, so our Saviour shed His blood
to save us from death eternal.
The eagle reminds us that the Saviour us God himself, as He said to the Israelites
of old: I bare you on eagles’ wings and brought you unto myself
The rose is an emblem of secrecy and silence. In the Song of Solomon we find
reference to the Saviour under the mystical title of the Rose of Sharon.

The cross represents the Cross of Calvary, red with the precious Blood.
The red collar is embroidered on the right side with the representation of a serpent,
the symbol of wisdom, having its tail in its mouth - thus forming a circle, the
emblem of eternity.
On the left side is embroidered a representation of the Crown of Thorns, worn by
Him who says unto us: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of
life.
Thus the rose and the cross and the other symbols peculiar to this degree should
remind us, through the eternal wisdom, of Him who is the Word, and teach us to
take up our cross and follow Him here, that we may win the crown hereafter.
I now invest you with the collar and jewel of the degree.
Sovereign takes the candidate's rose from the altar, places the stem in the
candidate's breast pocket and says: Lastly, I present to you this rose: an emblem of
Him Who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
Be careful, by the exercise of Faith, Hope and Charity to continue to deserve these
emblems, which are symbols of hidden truths known only to the Perfect Mason.
I will now communicate to you the signs and words of this degree.
The first sign is called the Sign of Adoration. It consists of interlacing the fingers,
then lifting the hands to the fore head, palms outwards, at the same time raising the
eyes to Heaven and exclaiming Hosanna, then dropping the hands on to the body.
The second sign is exchanged thus I raise my right hand level with, and to the right
of, but not touching, my fore head with the fingers crossed except the index finger,
saying He ascended. You reply by pointing downwards with the index finger of the
right hand, saying: He descended. The complete sign signifies that there is but one
God in Heaven and earth, Creator and Sovereign of all things.
The third sign is called the Sign of the Good Shepherd or Pastor. It is given by
crossing the arms on the breast, the left uppermost, without bowing. This sign
represents a shepherd holding a lamb. It is answered in the same manner.
We then approach each other with the third sign and mutually place our hands on
the other’s breast, thus forming two St. Andrew’s crosses Then we exchange the
initials I N R I alternately. These are the initials of the superscription on the Cross
and stand for Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the
Jews.
The password, Emmanuel, meaning ‘God with us’, is given with the sign of the
Good Shepherd and is answered by 'Pax Vobiscum', meaning ‘Peace be with you’,
given with the same sign. This sign is also given when addressing the Most Wise
Sovereign and when entering or leaving the Chapter.
Sovereign resumes his throne.
Raphael conducts the new Prince to the Sovereign, who shows him the Warrant
and presents him with the Rules of the Order, the By-Laws of the Chapter and,
wherever possible, a copy of the ritual.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Raphael, you will conduct the new Prince to the West
and let him be duly proclaimed.
Raphael, with sword at the carry, followed by the newly perfected Prince goes via
the south to the west Marshal rises and all three, the candidate in the center, stand
in line, facing east.
Director of Ceremonies: To order, Princes.
All rise
Herald, in the south-west, reads from the scroll: By command of the Most Wise
Sovereign, I proclaim that our Brother ... has this day been created a Knight of the
Pelican and Eagle and sealed and invested a Prince of the Order of the Rose Croix
of Heredom I summon him accordingly to take his seat in the Chapter.
The new Prince is conducted directly to his seat in the south-east by the Marshal
and sits
Director of Ceremonies: Princes, be seated.
All resume their seats.

CLOSING
THE THIRD POINT

Members of the 33 take their places in the south-east.

While the Director of Ceremonies forms the procession, and throughout the
ceremony, silence shall be maintained. The procession enters in the following
order: Marshal, the new Prince, 18 , 30 31 , 32 , the Prelate and the
Sovereign.
The procession circles the room until the Sovereign reaches the East The members
of the 33 stand on the left of the Prelate. Marshal instructs the candidate to stand
outside the circle.
Sov: Princes, we have now arrived at the perfection of Masonry, let us then unite in
forming the Living Circle as an emblem of eternity.
The Living Circle is formed, with arms outstretched, not crossed, hands clasped,
the candidate being outside the circle.
Sov: Princes, let us receive him who has this day been admitted to our Order.
The Princes on the Sovereign's right make way, the Marshal places the new Prince
next to the Sovereign and the circle is again completed.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prince, we receive you into the Living Circle of our
hearts.
After a short pause the hands are dropped.
Sov: Princes, we now invite you, according to oriental custom, to break bread and
eat salt with us, at the same time pledging to each other our fidelity and friendship
in the goblet of fraternal affection. And all place right on left breast let us invoke
the blessing of Him who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley, by
whose assistance we hope to progress here on earth towards that perfection which
can be consummated only when, rising from the tomb, we ascend to join our great
Emmanuel and are united with Him for ever in a glorious and happy Eternity. All
drop sign.
Director of Ceremonies presents the platter to the Sovereign and returns
immediately to his place in the circle.
The Sovereign then takes a piece of biscuit or bread and presents it to the Prelate
standing on his left, who breaks off a portion. Both then dip their portions at the
same time into the salt and eat them. The Prelate takes the platter and repeats
these actions with his neighbour and so on.
Director of Ceremonies presents the goblet to the Sovereign. The Sovereign turns
to the Prelate, who faces him The Sovereign says Emmanuel, and the Prelate gives
the 3rd sign, saying Pax Vobiscum. The Sovereign drinks and passes the goblet to
the Prelate, who repeats with the Prince on his left in the same manner and so on.
Director of Ceremonies returns the platter and goblet.
The Prelate, with a taper kindled at the altar, ignites the spirit in the tasse when
convenient during the above.
When all have partaken:
Sov: All have partaken.
Prel: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prelate Prelate gives and holds 3rd sign, I now request
you to remove the sacred Word that it be not exposed to the eyes of the profane,
but be consumed according to ancient custom as a perpetual memorial of our
veneration of Him who came to consummate the redemption of all those who
faithfully and sincerely put their trust in Him, our risen Emmanuel.
The Prelate drops 3rd sign, removes the Word, and, clearly displaying It, passes to
the west side of the table, faces east and burns It.
The Prelate returns to his place in the circle.
Sov: Princes, we rejoice to have united in this feast of fraternal affection. May we
henceforth treasure up the sacred doctrines of the Order in the secret repository of
our hearts. Princes, resume your seats
All immediately and in silence return to their seats. The flame is not extinguished
but is allowed to die down.
The Sovereign knocks once. This is repeated by the Generals.
Sov: Princes, assist me to close this … Chapter.
All rise.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prelate, what is the hour?
Prel, with 3rd sign: It is the first hour of the third day, being the first day of the
week; the hour of a Perfect Mason.
Sov: What is the hour of a Perfect Mason?
Prel, with 3rd sign: It is the hour when the Word is found and the Cubic Stone is
changed into the Mystic Rose. The Blazing Star has reappeared in all its splendour;
our altars are renewed; the true Light restored to our eyes, the clouds of darkness
dispersed; and the New Commandment is given to love one another.
Sov: Let us then observe this New Commandment to love one another, the result
and perfection of all preceding Masonry, which will enable us to erect an edifice in
our hearts to the glory of the Lamb; to whom belongeth might, majesty, dominion
and power, Who liveth and reigneth world without end.
All: Amen.
All give and, after a pause, drop the 3rd sign.
Sov knocks ****** *
lstG knocks ****** *
2ndG knocks ****** *
C of G knocks ****** *
OG knocks ****** *
The Prelate closes the Bible.
Sov: This Chapter is now closed in the name of the great Emmanuel. Depart in
peace.

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